Wagons, especially the fast ones, hold a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. They represent a blend of practicality and performance that crossovers often struggle to match. Yet, the reality is stark: wagon sales are dwindling. The Volvo V90, a prime example of a large Swedish wagon, faces the end of its production run. In a world dominated by crossovers like the Volvo XC60, the V90’s sales figures are a mere fraction, signaling the challenges faced by this beloved body style.
For those of us who appreciate a good deal and the unique charm of a wagon, the V90’s relative obscurity presents an opportunity. This is the story of how I, initially seeking an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid for my family, ended up with a used Volvo V90 T8 Recharge, and why I couldn’t be happier. The journey involved considering various options, from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6 to the Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer and Skoda Superb iV, before stumbling upon the perfect V90.
The search led me to a used car website where, among a handful of available V90s in Germany, one stood out: a top-trim model with the most powerful powertrain and a luxurious interior featuring the Bowers & Wilkins audio system. Despite being a financial stretch, the allure of depreciation made it irresistible. After 31,000 miles (50,000 km), the V90 was priced at half of its original value, making it cheaper than a comparable Volkswagen ID.7 or Volvo XC90. This was an offer I couldn’t refuse, marking my entry into the world of Volvo wagons.
| Model | Sales (Last Year) | Change from Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| Volvo V90 | 5,264 | -25% |
| Volvo V90 Cross Country | 4,675 | -25% |
| Volvo XC60 | 220,000+ | N/A |
The Volvo V90: A blend of practicality and performance.
Purchasing the used Volvo V90 T8 Recharge from a dealer in Germany came with a reassuring one-year warranty, extendable for another two. This peace of mind is invaluable, considering the complexity of the machine. With a combined output of 455 horsepower, the V90 T8 Recharge offers impressive acceleration, reaching 60 mph in under five seconds. However, it’s essential to recognize that this isn’t a performance car in the traditional sense. The steering lacks feedback, and the car feels heavy in corners, with some torque steer due to its front-biased powertrain.
The V90 T8 Recharge truly shines as a long-distance cruiser. My 1,100-mile drive home was a testament to its comfort and refinement. The seats, a hallmark of Volvo, provided exceptional support, making the journey effortless. The car’s quiet and refined nature further enhanced the driving experience. Volvo’s unique approach to the plug-in hybrid system sets it apart from competitors like BMW and Volkswagen. The V90 features a 2.0-liter gas engine powering the front wheels through an Aisin eight-speed automatic transmission, coupled with an electric motor driving the rear wheels, creating an all-wheel-drive system with no mechanical connection between the axles.
This design minimizes driveline losses compared to systems where the electric motor is integrated between the gas engine and transmission. The battery pack is strategically placed in the center of the car, where the transmission tunnel would typically reside in a conventional all-wheel-drive vehicle. In 2022, Volvo upgraded the PHEV system with a more powerful rear motor (143 hp/107 kW) and a larger high-voltage battery (14.9 kWh usable capacity). The gas engine in the T8 version produces 310 hp, resulting in a combined maximum output of 455 hp. Interestingly, the gas engine lacks an accessory belt, utilizing electric compressors for the A/C and water pump, and a starter-generator replaces the traditional alternator and starter motor.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Gas Engine | 2.0-liter, 310 hp |
| Rear Electric Motor | 143 hp (107 kW) |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 14.9 kWh |
| Total Horsepower | 455 hp |
The luxurious and comfortable interior of the Volvo V90.
Volvo advertises that the V90 T8 Recharge can travel up to 54 miles (88 kilometers) on a full charge based on the European WLTC cycle. In real-world conditions, I’ve observed an indicated range of up to 40 miles (65 km), which is ample for my daily commuting needs. This allows me to drive primarily on electric power, resulting in significant cost savings compared to using gasoline or diesel. While an all-electric wagon would have been my preference, the V90 T8 Recharge strikes a good balance between electric and gasoline power.
Even with a depleted battery, the V90 T8 Recharge delivers commendable fuel economy. On a highway trip immediately after purchasing the car, with the battery showing zero miles of range, I achieved an average of 32 miles per gallon at an average speed of 65 miles per hour (105 kilometers per hour). I anticipate that fuel economy will improve by approximately 10% when driving with a fully charged battery. The interior of the V90 is a standout feature, boasting exceptional materials and a minimalist design. The Android Automotive OS-based infotainment system is functional and allows for the installation of apps like Waze and Spotify, reducing the need to connect a smartphone. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, they lack wireless connectivity.
The integration of Google Maps and Waze into the driver display is a valuable feature, and the car intelligently manages its energy reserves when using the built-in Maps app. The transition between electric and hybrid power is seamless, and the engine noise remains subdued when the gasoline engine is running, a testament to Volvo’s soundproofing efforts. The Pilot Assist suite of advanced driver assistance features is impressive and reliable, providing effective lane centering and radar-guided cruise control, even in stop-and-go traffic. The one-pedal driving mode and efficient brake regeneration in B mode further enhance the driving experience.
| Condition | Fuel Economy |
|---|---|
| Battery Depleted (Highway) | 32 mpg |
| Battery Full (Estimated Highway) | 35 mpg |
The V90’s user-friendly dashboard and infotainment system.
